CITYWEST company Pure Telecom say almost half-a-million non-voters would take part in the democratic process if e-voting was available.

The telecommunications firm made their findings on the back of an online survey of 994 Irish adults aged 18 plus - conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Pure Telecom in June 2018.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom

In the run-up to the presidential election and blasphemy referendum, the survey also revealed that 52 per cent of the electorate want the option of e-voting and 42 per cent want to be able to cast their vote online.

The polling station remains the most popular method of voting, with 59 per cent of the electorate choosing it as a preferred method. However, it is regarded by 27 per cent of respondents as outdated.

One-in-five said they would like the ability to vote through a mobile app, whilst 13 per cent think texting their vote should be an option.

The survey found that 17 per cent of those eligible to vote feel that the current method of polling does not cater to the needs of those unable to travel to polling stations, including members of the electorate who are elderly, less mobile or housebound.

Paul Connell, CEO, Pure Telecom said: “Our research shows that Irish adults are very open to the idea of voting by electronic means. In the digital age, people are used to being able to complete tasks with the touch of a button or screen – so electronic voting appeals to them.

“With the presidential election and a referendum approaching, it is perhaps a good time to consider alternatives to traditional polling methods.”

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